The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress have decried the ‘poor money’ paid to pensioners in the country.
The NLC lamented that many pensioners still collect as low as N2, 000 per month as pension, especially at state level. The government, NLC and the leadership of the National Assembly agreed at the 11th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, to fight for a review of the Pension Act.
Speaking at the event, President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, noted that corruption in Nigeria cannot be wished away in a situation where pensioners still receive N2, 000 as pension.
He said: “That is why the issue of corruption in our system cannot be wished away; people would want to help themselves because they work for many years and when it is time to retire, there would be nothing to rely on for tomorrow.
“I am calling on the state governments, including the Federal Government, to prioritise the payment of the benefits of pensioners; it is their right, their earnings,” Wabba said.
Also, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, acknowledged that the consequential adjustment to pension of Nigerian pensioners since 2019 was long overdue.
Ngige, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Yerima Tarfa, said: “Distinguished Senior Citizens, permit me to use this opportunity to inform you that the Federal Government is mindful of your sacrifices and contributions to the Nigerian project and is committed to taking necessary steps to address issues that border on improving your welfare.”
